A proverb says: “Cobbler, stick to your last.” And yet there are exceptions we could not resist. Despite our clear focus on France, a few Austrian wineries have found their firm place in our regular portfolio.

A deliberate selection with a clear focus

The room for domestic producers in our portfolio is deliberately limited — not least because there are numerous merchants in Austria with a broader range. All the more reason for our selection to be targeted.

Focus on the Wachau

Our long-standing enthusiasm for Riesling and Grüner Veltliner from the Wachau is clearly reflected here: five producers from this region form the heart of our Austrian portfolio. Among them are names rich in tradition such as FX Pichler, Franz Hirtzberger, Mathias Hirtzberger, Prager and FJ Gritsch – estates that have stood for precision, origin and continuity for decades.

The portfolio is rounded out by Johanneshof Reinisch from the Thermenregion. For us, an estate stylistically just as at home in Burgundy. And by Weingut Pöckl from Mönchhof, which equally underlines our affinity for slightly more compact Bordeaux blends.

The Wachau in international context

Austria offers a host of outstanding wineries in a wide range of regions and styles — both in white and in red.

Looking, however, at the international market, the Wachau holds a special position. Even if not necessarily in breadth, then certainly in standing, the Wachau estates have for decades belonged to the very top. Names such as FX Pichler, Franz Hirtzberger and Prager were already present internationally in the early 1990s and found their place early on on renowned wine lists worldwide.

This success rests not only on timing but above all on consistent quality work. The founding of Vinea Wachau created a clear framework that contributed substantially to the international positioning of the region. Questions about the further development of this classification remain — but the quality of the wines is beyond doubt.

Grape variety diversity with a clear profile

Outside the Wachau too we focus on estates with a distinct hand. With both Johanneshof Reinisch and Weingut Pöckl there is a balanced combination of indigenous and international grape varieties.

At Reinisch the focus is on Zierfandler, Rotgipfler and St. Laurent, while at Pöckl Zweigelt and St. Laurent play a central role. Grape varieties interpreted with conviction and precision, clearly reflecting the profile of their respective regions.

The counterpoint is provided by international varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the Reinisch family and Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc with René and Eva Pöckl.
The result is a deliberately lean but coherent Austrian portfolio that clearly reflects our hand. Quality, origin and personality are always at the forefront — regardless of region or grape variety.